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THE     LITTLE     PILGRIMS 
AND   THE  BOOK   BELOVED 


MOTHEB      CHURCH 


THE  LITTLE  PILGRIMS 
ANDTHE  BOOK  BELOVED 

A  MYSTERY  PLAY 

BY 

MARIE  E.  J.  HOBART 

AUTHOR  OF 

"LADY  CATECHISM  AND  THE  CHILD  " 


LONGMANS,  GREEN,  AND   CO. 

91  AND  93  FIFTH  AVENUE,  NEW   YORK 

LONDON,  BOMBAY,  AND  CALCUTTA 

MCMVII 


Written  for  St.  Agnes'  Sunday  School,  Trinity 

Parish,  and  presented  by  the  Children 

of  the  Sunday  School  on  the 

Eve  of  St.  Agnes,  1906. 


COPYRIGHT,  1906,  BY 
MARIE   E.  J.  HOBART 

First  Edition,  November,  1906 
Reprinted,  November,  1907 


J^etrtcatefc 
to 

9*  **  % 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS 
AND  THE  BOOK  BELOVED 

CHARACTERS  IN  THE  PLAY  y.  , 

Christopher,  A  Servant  of  Mother  Church  &►*' 

First  Little  Pilgrim 

Second  Little  Pilgrim  0t** 

Mother  Church  /'-'  B 

Matins  &&»>*>  6 i  *U*  Matrimony  «  4**  ^w  •**« 

Evensong  «-  Visitation  of  Sick***?  ^^4*2 

Litany  <FW^^        Requiem  #*  t^1 

Baptism  iktt  Churching  of  Women/W/?  ^  */*&* 

$lt#^Lady  Catechisms  Maris  Stella  '■  i£rxcL.ffi/ 

Confirmation  Visitation  of  Prisoners  ftr^v 

Eucharist  Song  of  Harvest   Home^f> 

^  I ^].  Psalter        zpUtftrns       Family  Prayer 

Ordinal  €aw<Mr^/tft^u^  - 
Articles  of  Religion^ 

The  Bookbinder  L 
Lectionary  Preface  fbOW*\ 

Calendar  Ratification 

A  Child  of  St.  Agnes 
Flower  Girls,  Acolytes,  a  Standard  Bearer 


LIST    OF    ILLUSTRATIONS 


Mother  Church  ....  Frontispiece 

To  face  page 

Aye,  verily,  the  sign  of  God's  love       .         .        4 

We  are  pilgrims  from  the  Land  of  Dark- 
ness ......       8 

I  am  about  to  show  you  the  great  Christian 

act  of  worship     .....     24 

Arise,  thou  incomparable  young  prince       .     40 

Come  with  me,  thou  Book  Beloved,  and 

let  us  take  the  World  for  Christ !  .     52 


THE     LITTLE     PILGRIMS 
AND  THE  BOOK   BELOVED 


THE     LITTLE    PILGRIMS 
AND  THE  BOOK  BELOVED 

SCENE 

A  RUDE,  WAYSIDE  CROSS,  WEATHER- 
STAINED  AND  OVERGROWN  WITH  VINES. 
OPPOSITE  THE  CROSS,  A  RUSTIC  BENCH 
FOR    TRAVELERS'     USE. 

A  bell  in  the  village  Church  tower  rings 
the  hour  of  noon.  Enter  Christopher. 
He  wears  a  straw  hat,  and  carries  a 
sickle  and  a  little  sheaf  of  wheat,  because 
he  comes  from  working  in  the  fields.  He 
stands  opposite  the  Cross,  and  looks  at  it 
attentively  for  a  few  moments. 

Christopher. —        At  this  hour  the    Saviour  of 

the  World  stretched  forth  His 
arms  upon  the  Cross,  for  our 
redemption.  Holy  Church  bids 
us  cease  our  work  for  a  mo- 
ment to   pray  for  those   who 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS    AND    THE    BOOK  BELOVED 

dwell  in  the  region  and  shadow 
of  death,  that  in  their  darkness 
light  may  spring  up. 

He  lays  aside  his  hat  and  his  sheaf  and 
sickle,  and  kneels  before  the  Cross,  where 
he  remains  in  an  attitude  of  deep  devotion. 
Enter  the  two  Little  Pilgrims.  The  younger 
of  them  sinks  down  wearily  on  the  rustic 
bench. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Let  us  rest  awhile,  my 

sister,  the  way  is  long,  and 
the  sun  is  very  hot. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Yes,  the  way  is  long,  but 

brother,  when  our  quest  is  fin- 
ished, we  will  remember  no 
more  the  weariness  of  the  jour- 
ney, so  great  will  be  our  joy. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — (After   a   slight    pause, 

looks  up  and  sees  the  Cross.) 
The  Sign!  My  sister,  the  Sign ! 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Aye,  verily,   the   Sign   of 

God's  love,    and  one  praying 

4 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

beside  it.  Now  blessed  be  the 
Lord  God  of  our  Teacher  who 
hath  led  us  in  the  right  way ! 

Christopher  rises  from  his  knees,  picks  up 
the  sickle  and  sheaf  and  turning  sees  the 
Little  Pilgrims. 

Christopher. —  God  be  with  you,  gentle  pil- 
grims ! 

The  Two  Little  Pilgrims. — (bowing  low)  And  with 

thee,  fair  stranger ! 

Christopher. —        I  see  by  your  apparel  that  ye 

are  come  from  afar. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Yes,  we  are  little  pilgrims 

from  the  Land  of  Darkness. 

Christopher. —        And  what  seek  ye,  so  far  from 

your  native  land  ? 
Second  Little  Pilgrim. — We  seek  Holy  Church. 
Christopher. — (with  surprise)  Holy  Church  ! 

The  Little  Pilgrims  draw  back,  somewhat 
disconcerted. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — (timidly)  We  thought  when 

we  saw  thee  kneeling  yonder 

5 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

(pointing  to  the  Cross),  that 
thou  knewest  Holy  Church, 
and  couldst  direct  us  where  to 
find  her. 

Christopher. — (eagerly)  Aye,  verily  I  know  her, 

for  she  is  my  own  sweet 
Mother.  I  only  marvelled  that 
ye  should  know  her,  since  ye 
say  that  ye  are  come  from  the 
Land  of  Darkness. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — We  know  Holy  Church 

in  name  only,  her  have  we 
not  yet  seen. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — But,  craving  your  pardon, 

fair  sir,  we  cannot  tell  our 
errand  to  anyone,  saving  only 
to  Holy  Church,  for  such  was 
the  command  laid  upon  us  by 
our  good  Teacher  who  sent  us 
hither. 

Christopher. —        Then  will  I  lead  you  to  her 

without  further  delay,  but  stay, 

6 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND    THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

ye  are  weary  with  your  jour- 
ney, rest  here  beside  the  Rood, 
and  I  will  run  quickly  and  call 
Mother  Church,  for  she  is  not 
far  away. 

Exit  Christopher  (running). 

The  Little  Pilgrims  look  up  at  the  Rood 
with  trustful  love,  then  seat  themselves  at 
its  foot  and  rest  their  heads  against  it. 
Music  plays   softly  one  verse  of  "  The 
Church's  One  Foundation!' 
Enter  Mother  Church,  preceded  by  Chris- 
topher, who  henceforth  bears  a  cross,  as  he 
is  in  attendance  on  Holy  Church. 
Mother   Church   walks   quickly,    looking 
about  her  with  tender  anxiety.    She  wears 
a  white  robe  and  mantle,    a    red   cross 
broidered  on  her  bosom.     She  has  also  a 
helmet  and  sword  to  show  that  we  see  her 
as  the  Church  Militant  here  in  earth.    At 
her  girdle  she  wears  a  bunch  of  keys. 

Mother  Church. — And  where  are  these  little  pil- 
grims who  have  come  so  far 
seeking  the  Mother  in  whose 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

arms  they  should   have  been 
cradled  ?     (Sees  the  Little  Pil- 
grims.)    Ah!     (She  holds  out 
her  arms  to  them.) 
The   Little   Pilgrims    have    risen    when 
Mother  Church  first  enters.      They  now 
advance  timidly,  bowing  very  low. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Gracious  Lady ! 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Gracious  Lady ! 

Mother  Church. — (gathering  them  in  her  arms) 

Precious  little  lambs,  for  whom 
the  Good  Shepherd  died !  (A 
pause  during  which  Mother 
Church  looks  at  the  Little 
Pilgrims  with  loving  interest. 
She  then  leads  them  towards 
the  bench,  and  seating  herself, 
places  the  Little  Pilgrims  be- 
fore her.)  Now  tell  me,  whence 
are  ye  come,  and  what  is  your 
errand  with  me  ? 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — We  are   pilgrims  from 

the  Land  of  Darkness. 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE   BOOK  BELOVED 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — We  are  come  to  ask  thee 

to  teach  us  how  to  worship 
God. 

Mother  Church. —  And  how  did  ye  hear  of  God 

in  the  Land  of  Darkness  ? 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Gracious  Lady,  we  had  a 

teacher. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — But  only  for  a  little  while, 

then  he  was  set  upon  by  wicked 
men,  and  wounded  so  sorely 
that  presently  he  died. 

Mother  Church. —  Who  was   your  teacher,  my 

little  pilgrims? 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — He  was   a   servant   of 

thine,  dear  Lady. 
First  Little  Pilgrim. — He  was   so   good !     He 

healed  us  of  our  sicknesses, 

and  restored  many  blind  folk 

to  sight. 
Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Aye,  and  he  told  us  of 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven. 
First  Little  Pilgrim. — Yes,  and  we  know  some- 

9 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE   BOOK   BELOVED 

what  of  the  meaning  of  yonder 
Sign,     (pointing  to  the  Rood) 

Mother  Church. —  And  what  is  the  meaning  of 

yonder  Sign,  sweet  little  ones  ? 

The  two  Little  Pilgrims  together  eagerly. — That 

God  so  loved  the  world  that 
He  gave  His  only  begotten 
Son  that  whosoever  believeth 
in  Him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life ! 

Mother  Church. —  Verily   and   indeed,  ye    have 

well  learned  the  meaning  of 
the  Cross,  my  little  pilgrims. 
God  be  praised  for  the  faithful- 
ness of  His  missionaries!  He 
will  not  forget  their  works  and 
labor  that  proceedeth  of  love, 
which  they  have  showed  for 
His  Name's  sake  ....  Did 
this  same,  your  teacher,  send 
you  to  find  me? 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Yes,  with  his  last  breath 

10 


THE   LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

he  bade  us  never  rest  until  we 
had  found  thee. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — For,  said  he,  She  alone 

can  teach  you  to  worship  the 
Lord  your  God  after  the  pat- 
tern which  was  showed  her  in 
the  Mount. 

Mother  Church. —  Ye  have  done  well   to  obey 

your  teacher,  and  the  Lord 
shall  reward  your  faith  and 
grant  you  your  hearts'  desire : 
For  ye  were  created  to  wor- 
ship God,  and  the  one  purpose 
and  joy  of  life  is  this,  perfectly 
to  love  Him  and  worthily  to 
magnify  His  Holy  Name.  I 
will  therefore  show  you  after 
what  manner  the  Church  Cath- 
olic doth  worship  God.  (To 
Christopher.)  Christopher,  hie 
thee  to  yonder  belfry,  and  ring 
the  bell  for  Matins. 

ii 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS    AND   THE  BOOK  BELOVED 

Christopher. —        Aye,  my  lady.      (He  salutes 

and  goes  out.) 

The  chimes  ring  one  verse  of  "Come,  my 
soul,  thou  must  be  waking"  during  which 
Matins  enters  and  takes  her  place  before 
Mother  Church.  She  carries  a  banner 
with  the  legend  "Day  by  Day." 
When  the  chimes  have  ceased  playing, 
Christopher  enters  and  takes  his  place  be- 
hind Mother  Church,  and  he  does  this 
after  the  entrance  of  each  of  the  Services, 
etc.,  whom  he  summons. 

Mother  Church. — Matins,  tell  these  little  pil- 
grims what  is  thy  service  in 
the  worship  of  the  Catholic 
Church. 

Matins. —  I  call  upon  all  Christians  to 

give  their  first  thoughts  to 
God  in  the  freshness  of  each 
new  day.  I  move  them  to 
confess  their  sins  humbly 
before  their  merciful  Father, 
that  they  may  receive  His 
most    gracious    pardon     and 

12 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND    THE  BOOK   BELOVED 

cleansing  through  the  mouth 
of  His  chosen  ministers.  Then 
must  they  rise  and  praise  God 
with  glad  heart  and  voice,  then 
listen  to  His  most  Holy  Word 
that  they  may  learn  what  is 
His  Will  for  them  to  do.  Then 
do  they  stand  and  confess  their 
Faith,  then  meekly  kneeling, 
pray  for  peace  and  grace,  for 
their  rulers  spiritual  and  tem- 
poral, for  all  sorts  and  condi- 
tions of  men,  and  for  all  the  de- 
sires of  their  hearts  as  may  be 
most  expedient  for  them.  And 
when  they  have  thanked  God 
for  all  His  loving  kindness  to 
them,  then  are  they  com- 
mended to  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the 
love  of  God,  and  to  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  so  dismissed  in  peace  to 

13 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

their  work.  This  is  the  order 
for  Daily  Morning  Prayer. 

Mother  Church. — Have  ye  understood  this,  my 

children? 

The  Little  Pilgrims. — Yes,  gracious  Lady. 

Mother  Church. — Christopher,  ring  now  the  Ves- 
per bell. 
Exit  Christopher,  after  saluting. 

The  chimes  play  ■ '  The  shadows  of  the 
evening  hours"  during  which  Evensong 
enters.  Her  banner  bears  the  legend 
"  IVe  magnify  thee."  She  takes  her 
place  at  the  left  of  Matins. 

Mother  Church. — Sweet    Evensong,    tell   these 

little  pilgrims  what  is  thy  ser- 
vice in  the  Church  of  God. 

Evensong. —  When   "the  shadows    of  the 

evening  hours  fall  from  the 
darkening  skies,"  I  call  all 
Christians  to  come  and  com- 
mune with  God  before  they 
go  to  their  rest.  I  bid  them 
again  lay  down  the  burden  of 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

their  sins  and  be  forgiven.  I 
read  them  again  from  the 
blessed  Word  of  God.  I  lead 
their  songs  of  praise.  Again 
they  confess  their  Faith  and 
make  known  unto  God  the  de- 
sires of  their  hearts,  and  so 
they  go  in  peace  to  their  rest, 
for  God  will  lighten  their  dark- 
ness and  preserve  them  from 
all  perils  and  dangers  of  the 
night.  This  is  the  Order  for 
Daily  Evening  Prayer. 
Matins  and  Evensong  now  join  hands. 

Mother  Church. — And  thus  ye  see,  my  children, 

that  from  the  rising  of  the  sun 
even  unto  the  going  down  of  the 
same  God's  name  is  praised. 
See,  therefore,  that  ye  forsake 
not  the  assembling  of  your- 
selves together. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Nay,    sweet    Lady,    but 

rather  will  we  be  glad  when 

15 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE    BOOK  BELOVED 

they  say  unto  us  (looking  to- 
ward Matins  and  Evensong), 
"  Let  us  go  into  the  House  of 
the  Lord." 

Mother  Church. — And  now,  dear  Breviary,  give 

place  a  little  that  I  may  fur- 
ther instruct  these  little  ones. 
(Matins  and  Evensong  with- 
draw to  the  back  of  the  stage.) 
Christopher,  summon  the  Lit- 
any to  me  here. 

Exit    Christopher,    now    and    hereafter 

saluting  when  he  receives  an  order  from 

his  Mistress. 

The  chimes  are  heard  ringing,  "Saviour, 

when  in  dust  to  Thee." 

Enter  Litany.    He  wears  a  violet  cassock 

and  over  this  a  cotta,  and  he  carries  a 

smoking  censer.     His   banner  bears  the 

legend,  "Spare  us,  Good  Lord!" 

Mother  Church. — Oh,    Litany   of   the   pleading 

voice,  tell  these  little  ones  how 
thou    first    earnest    into    the 

16 


THE    LITTLE  PILGRIMS   AND  THE   BOOK   BELOVED 

Church  and  what  is  now  thine 
office  therein. 
Litany. —  In  days  of  yore,  when  the  sins 

of  men  had  brought  upon  them 
such  righteous  judgments  as 
war  and  earthquake,  plague, 
pestilence  and  famine,  I  called 
the  children  of  the  Church  to 
repentance,  and  led  them  forth 
in  solemn  procession  through 
streets  and  lanes  and  fields, 
chanting  aloud  their  humble 
confession  of  sin,  and  their 
supplication  for  mercy  and  re- 
lief. In  these  days  I  call  them 
to  church  thrice  in  the  week, 
still  to  confess  their  sins,  and 
beseech  their  good  Lord  that 
it  may  please  Him  to  succour, 
help  and  comfort  all  who  are 
in  danger,  necessity  and  tribu- 
lation, and  this,  little  pilgrims, 
am  I,  the  Litany  or  General 
Supplication. 

17 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS    AND   THE  BOOK  BELOVED 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — May  God  ever  hear  thy 

voice  and  ours,  good  Litany ! 
Litany  withdraws  and  takes  his  place  at 
the  left  of  Evensong. 

Mother  Church. — And  now,  my  children,  I  will 

show  you  a  fountain  of  living 
water  through  which  all  must 
pass  who  would  be  living 
members  of  Christ.  (To  Chris- 
topher) Summon  Baptism  to 
me  anon. 

Exit  Christopher.     Chimes  play  "Just  as 

I  am"   during  which    Baptism    enters. 

Her    banner    bears   the   legend  "  Wash 

away  thy  sins." 

Mother  Church. — Thou  keeper  of  the  Mystical 

Fountain,  tell,  I  pray  thee, 
these  little  catechumens  what 
is  thine  office  in  the  Church 
of  God. 

Baptism. —  My     little     catechumens,     ye 

know  that  all  men  are  by 
nature  born  in  sin,  therefore 

18 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK   BELOVED 

standeth  the  font  at  the  Church 
door,  that  all  infants  may  be 
brought  there  so  soon  as  they 
are  born,  that  they  may  be 
washed  from  their  sins  in 
this  water  of  life,  and  given 
grace  to  be  Christ's  faithful 
soldiers  and  servants  unto 
their  life's  end. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — (to  Mother  Church)  Since 

God  hath  provided  this  Foun- 
tain for  all  men,  what  doth 
hinder  us  to  be  baptized  ? 

Mother  Church. — If   ye    believe  with    all   your 

hearts,  ye  may. 

The  two  Little  Pilgrims. — (with  earnest  convic- 
tion) I  believe  that  Jesus 
Christ  is  the  Son  of  God. 

Mother  Church  motions  to  Baptism,  who 
delivers  her  banner  to  the  keeping  of 
Christopher,  and  taking  one  of  the  Little 
Pilgrims  by  each  hand,  leads  them  away. 
And  as  she  does  so  the  music  again  plays 

19 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

softly,  "Just  as  I  am"  Mother  Church 
rises,  and  signing  Herself  with  the  sign 
of  the  Cross,  goes  over  to  the  Rood  where 
she  stands  in  silence,  with  bowed  head, 
devoutly  giving  thanks  unto  God,  and 
praying  that  the  Little  Pilgrims  may  lead 
the  rest  of  their  lives  according  to  this 
beginning. 

IV hen  the  music  dies  away,  Baptism 
enters  again,  leading  the  children  whom 
she  presents  to  Mother  Church. 

Mother  Church. — Thanks  be  to  God !    For  now 

are  ye  delivered  from  the 
power  of  darkness,  and  trans- 
lated into  the  kingdom  of  His 

dear    Son But   ye 

must  continue  in  the  Faith, 
grounded  and  settled,  and 
therefore  I  will  now  commit 
you  to  the  guardian  whom  I 
have  appointed  for  all  Chris- 
tian children.  Christopher, 
bid  the  Lady  Catechism  come 
to  me  here. 

20 


THE    LITTLE  PILGRIMS   AND  THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

Exit  Christopher.  Music  plays  "Jesus, 
tender  Shepherd."  Enter  Lady  Cate- 
chism. She  is  dressed  in  white,  and  wears 
a  white  veil.  She  carries  a  lily  and  a 
white  book. 

Mother  Church. — Lady    Catechism,     I    commit 

to  thy  loving  care  these  little 
Christians,  with  the  dew  of 
baptism  still  upon  their  fore- 
heads, that  thou  mayest  teach 
them  their  duty  as  children 
of  God. 

Lady  Catechism. — My  little  ones,  I  am  the  friend 

of  all  Christian  children.  Ye 
have  heard  that  our  dear 
Mother  hath  given  you  to  my 
care.  Come,  therefore,  to  me 
at  the  time  appointed  that  I 
may  teach  you  those  things 
which  a  Christian  ought  to 
know  and  believe  to  his 
soul's  health,  and  when  I 
have  taught  you,  I  will  bring 

21 


THE   LITTLE    PILGRIMS   AND   THE   BOOK  BELOVED 

you  back  to  Mother  Church 
that  ye  may  receive  the  Apos- 
tolic Rite  of  Confirmation. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — We   will  do    so    most 

gladly. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — And    we    will    faithfully 

learn  all  that  thou  hast  to 
teach  us. 

Mother  Church. — Well  said,  my  children.  (Lady 

Catechism  withdraws.)    I  will 
now  show  you  this  Apostolic 
Rite  of  which  the  Lady  Cate- 
chism     hath     spoken.       (To 
Christopher)    Summon    Con- 
firmation hither. 
Exit     Christopher.      Music,     "  Onward, 
Christian  Soldiers"  during  which   Con- 
firmation enters.     His  banner  bears  the 
legend  "Strength  to  Persevere" 

Mother  Church. — Confirmation,  tell  these  Little 

Pilgrims  what  thou  wilt  do 
for  them. 

22 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

Confirmation. —     Little  Christians,  in  baptism  ye 

were  made  members  of  Christ, 
children  of  God  and  inheritors 
of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven;  it 
is  mine  to  crown  those  gifts 
with  Strength  to  Persevere. 
Learn,  therefore,  what  Lady- 
Catechism  hath  to  teach  you, 
and  then  come  and  receive  in 
the  laying  on  of  hands  the 
sevenfold  gifts  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  that  ye  may  continue 
unto  your  life's  end  in  that 
state  of  salvation  unto  which 
it  hath  pleased  God  to  call 
you. 
Confirmation  withdraws. 

Mother  Church. — And  now,  my  little  ones,  draw 

near  with  faith  and  listen,  for 
I  am  about  to  show  you  the 
great  Christian  act  of  worship, 
ordained  by  Christ  Himself  as 
a  means  of  grace  and  pledge 

23 


THE    LITTLE  PILGRIMS   AND  THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

of    His     love.      Christopher, 
ring  now  thy  sweetest  chime 
to  welcome  Holy  Eucharist. 
Exit   Christopher.     Chimes  play    "And 
now,  O  Father." 

Enter  Eucharist  preceded  by  two  little 
girls  strewing  flowers  from  their  baskets, 
two  little  acolytes  with  lighted  candles,  an 
acolyte  with  a  banner  on  which  is  written 
''Lift  up  your  hearts." 

Mother  Church. — (rising)    Fair   Missal,   beholdl 

here  are  little  travelers  from  a 
far  country  who  would  fain 
know  thee  and  what  place 
thou  hast  in  the  worship  of 
the  Catholic  Church. 

Eucharist. —  Nineteen  hundred  years  ago, 

in  an  upper  room  in  the  an- 
cient city  of  Jerusalem,  I  was 
called  into  the  service  of  His 
Church  by  the  dear  Lord  of 
us  all.  Since  first  He  placed 
in  my  hands  His  Holy  Gifts, 

24 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE    BOOK  BELOVED 

I  offer  a  perpetual  memory  of 
His  precious  death  and  sacri- 
fice until  the  glad  day  of  His 
coming,  and  do  feed  His  faith- 
ful people  with  these  Holy 
Mysteries  that  they  may  ever- 
more dwell  in   Him  and  He 

in  them Is  it  not 

meet,  right  and  my  bounden 
duty  that  I  should  at  all  times 
and  in  all  places  show  forth 
my  Lord's  death  until  He 
come? 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — How  wonderful ! 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — How  beautiful!  (to  Mother 

Church)  But  are  we  worthy 
so  much  as  to  gather  up 
the  crumbs  under  our  Lord's 
Table? 

Mother  Church. — (very  tenderly)   The  property 

of  your  Lord  is  always  to 
have     mercy:     He    will    not 

25 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND  THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

weigh  your  merits,  but  will 
pardon  your  offences ;  there- 
fore, be  not  afraid. 

The  two  Little  Pilgrims. — Oh,  then,   let  us  also 

offer  in  His  dwelling  our  obla- 
tion with  great  gladness  ! 

Mother  Church. — The    Lord    doth    grant    you 

your  hearts'  desire,  for  now 
ye  who  were  sometimes  afar 
off  are  no  more  strangers  and 
foreigners  but  fellow  citizens 
with  the  saints  and  of  the 
household  of  God. 
Eucharist  withdraws.  Her  attendants 
go  off  the  stage. 

Mother  Church. — And  now,   that   your  mouths 

may  ever  show  forth  His 
praise,  I  will  show  you  mine 
ancient  hymnal.  (To  Chris- 
topher) Summon  hither  Psal- 
ter. 

26 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS    AND    THE  BOOK   BELOVED 

Exit  Christopher.     Chimes  play  ' '  Golden 
Harps  are  Sounding." 
Enter  Psalter.     She  wears  a  wreath  of 
bay  leaves  and  carries  a  harp. 

Mother  Church. — Thou  Harp  of  Ancient  Jewry, 

what  hast  thou  to  say  in  this 
day  to  the  people  of  God? 


Psalter. — 


Mother  Church. 


My  song  is  old,  and  yet  ever 

new,  it  is  this,  O  Sion: 

Praise  God  in   His   holiness: 

praise  Him  in  the  firmament 

of  His  power. 

Praise  Him  in  His  noble  acts: 

praise  Him  according  to  His 

excellent  greatness. 

Praise    Him  in  the  sound  of 

the  trumpet:  praise  Him  upon 

the  lute  and  harp. 

Let     everything     that      hath 

breath  :   praise  the  Lord. 

-Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and 

27 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost; 

Everyone  else  on  the  stage. — As  it  was   in   the 

beginning,  is  now  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Psalter  withdraws. 

Mother  Church  seats  herself. 

Mother  Church. — I  will  now  show  you  further 

rites  and  ceremonies  of  the 
Church  according  to  the  Ameri- 
can Use,  for  remember  this,  my 
children,  I  am  your  Mother, 
and  all  that  ye  do  concerns 
me.  Bring  to  me,  therefore, 
your  joys  and  sorrows,  let  me 
live  with  you  your  daily  life. 
Christopher,  hie  thee  once 
more  to  the  belfry,  and  ring 
us  a  merry  wedding  chime. 
Exit  Christopher.  The  chimes  ring  the 
Wedding  March  of  Mendelssohn,  during 

28 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

which  enters  Holy  Matrimony.  Her  ban- 
ner  bears  the  device  of  a  circle,  and  the 
legend,  "  Let  no  man  put  asunder." 

Mother  Church. — Holy   Matrimony,  what   hast 

thou  to  say  of  Christian  mar- 
riage to  these  little  pilgrims  ? 

Holy  Matrimony. — When  a  Christian  man  and  a 

Christian  maid  will  enter  into 
Holy  Wedlock,  they  must 
come  and  plight  their  troth 
before  God's  altar.  Then 
will  they  be  joined  together 
by  Holy  Church,  and  receive 
God's  blessing  and  His  Heav- 
enly Grace  that  they  may  so 
live  together  in  this  life  that  in 
the  world  to  come  they  may 
have  life  everlasting,  and  this 
is  the  Solemnization  of  Matri- 
mony. Those  whom  God  hath 
joined  together,  let  no  man  put 
asunder! 
Holy  Matrimony  withdraws. 
29 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS    AND    THE    BOOK  BELOVED 

MotJier  Church, — Let  Visitation  now  attend  me 

here. 

Exit  Christopher.  Music  'Abide  with  me." 
Enter  Visitation.  Her  banner  bears  the 
legend  "  Yet  will  I  trust  Him." 

Mother  Church. — Visitation,  speak  to  these  little 

pilgrims  of  thine  office. 

Visitation. —  St.  James  doth  tell  us  in  his 

pastoral  letter  to  his  scattered 
flock  that  if  any  disciple  be 
sick,  he  is  to  send  for  the 
elders  of  the  Church  that  they 
may  pray  over  him.  There- 
fore, when  any  Christian  is 
sick,  it  is  the  duty  of  his 
friends  to  give  timely  notice 
to  the  Minister  of  the  Parish, 
who,  coming  to  the  sick  per- 
son's house,  will  pray  for  him 
to  the  Father  of  mercies  and 
God  of  all  comfort,  and  will 
also  show  him  that  his  sick- 

30 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

ness  is  certainly  God's  visita- 
tion to  help  him  forward  in 
the  right  way  that  leadeth 
unto  everlasting  life.  This  is 
the  Order  for  the  Visitation  of 
the  Sick. 
Visitation  withdraws. 

Mother  Church. — (Rising)  Christopher,  ring  the 

Requiem  Bell! 
Exit  Christopher.     The  Chimes  ring  one 
verse  cf  "  When  our  hearts  are   bowed 
with    woe."     Mother  Church    bows    her 
head,  crossing  her  arms  over  her  breast, 
everyone  on  the  stage  follows  her  example, 
the  Little  Pilgrims  last  of  all,  with  won- 
dering hesitation.    After  the  Chimes  have 
ceased,  there  is  a  pause  during  which  all 
retain  their  attitude  of  sorrowful  prayer. 
Then  suddenly  the  Chimes  peal  forth  and 
play,  "  The  Strife  is  o'er."     All  lift  their 
heads  and  look  glad.     Enter  Requiem, 
dressed  in  white.     On  her  banner  is  writ- 
ten "  The  Lord  is  risen!" 

Mother  Church. — Sweet    Requiem,    thou   com- 

3i 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

forter  of  the  sorrowful,  tell 
these  little  pilgrims  how  Chris- 
tians feel  about  death. 

Requiem. —  Ye  little  pilgrims  to  the  City 

of  God,  Christians  do  not  fear 
to  die,  because  their  Lord  hath 
overcome  death  and  opened 
unto  them  the  gates  of  ever- 
lasting life.  Therefore,  when 
a  Christian  lies  down  in  peace 
to  take  his  rest,  his  friends 
must  never  sorrow  for  him  as 
if  they  were  without  hope,  for 
the  grave  is  only  the  open 
door  to  our  "long  home." 

First   Little   Pilgrim. — How    blessed    are    the 

dead  who  die  in  the  Lord! 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — May  we  so  pass  to  our 

joyful  resurrection  ] 
Requiem  withdraws. 

Mother  Church. — Summon  me  now  the  Church- 
ing of  Women. 

32 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS    AND   THE   BOOK  BELOVED 

Exit  Christopher.  Music  plays  "By 
cool  Siloams  shady  rill"  [tune  "Ma- 
noah").  Enter  the  Churching  of  Wo- 
men.    Banner  "  My  heart  rejoiceth." 

Mother  Church.  — What   is    thine    office,    thou 

happy  one  ? 

Churching  of  Women. — When  a  Christian  woman 

receives  God's  great  gift  of  a 
little  child,  then  should  she, 
like  Hannah  of  old  and  like 
Blessed  Mary,  come  into  the 
house  of  God  to  return  thanks 
and  to  pray  that  she  may 
bring  up  her  child  in  the  fear 
and  nurture  of  the  Lord,  and 
this  is  the  Thanksgiving  of 
Women  for  their  children. 
Churching  of  Women  withdraws. 

Mother  Church. — Call   hither  the    Star    of   the 

Sea. 

Exit  Christopher.  Music  "  Eternal 
Father,  strong  to  save."  Enter  Maris 
Stella.     Banner  "  The  Sea  is  His." 

33 


THE    LITTLE  PILGRIMS   AND  THE    BOOK    BELOVED 

Mother  Church. — Why  art  thou  called  the  Star 

of  the  Sea? 

Maris  Stella. —      Because    I    am  the  Form  of 

Prayer  to  be  used  at  Sea,  and 
like  a  star  above  the  stormy 
wave  I  guide  the  sailors  to 
their  sure  refuge.  Then  are 
they  glad  because  thev  are  at 
rest. 
Maris  Stella  withdraws. 
Mother  Church. — Summon     Ihe    Visitation     of 

Prisoners. 
Exit    Christopher.     Music    "  JVeary    of 
earth  and  laden  with  my  sin." 
Enter  Visitation  of  Prisoners.     Banner 
11  Deliver  us  from  evil." 

Mother  Church. — Declare  thine  office  to  these 

little  pilgrims. 

Visitation  of  Prisoners. — Our  gracious  God  de- 

sireth  not  the  death  of  a 
sinner,  but  would  rather  that 
he  turn  from  his  wickedness 
and  live;  therefore,  the  Church 

34 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND   THE   BOOK   BELOVED 

sendeth  her  ministers  into  the 
very  prisons  to  pray  for  them 
who  are  so  tied  and  bound 
with  the  chain  of  their  sins, 
that  the  pitifulness  of  God's 
great  mercy  may  loose  them. 
There  is  joy  in  the  presence 
of  the  angels  of  God  over 
every  such  sinner  that  re- 
penteth. 

Visitation  of  Prisoners  withdraws. 
Mother  Church. — Summon    now   the    Song    of 

Harvest  Home. 

Exit  Christopher.      Chimes  play  "Come 

ye  thankful  people,  come." 

Enter  Song  of  Harvest  Home,  bearing  the 

fruits  of  the  Harvest. 

Mother  Church. — What  is  thy  song,  O  Harvest 

Home? 

Song  of  Harvest  Home. — My  song  is  thanks- 
giving to  God  who  crowneth 
the  year  with  goodness  and 
who  hath  blessed  our  native 

35 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

land  with  peace  and  pros- 
perity. Therefore,  we  come 
before  His  presence  with 
thanksgiving  and  show  our- 
selves glad  in  Him  with 
psalms,  humbly  beseeching 
Him  that  He  will  increase  in 
our  land  true  religion,  that  we 
may  be  honest  in  the  sight  of 
all  men  and  evermore  faithful 
to  our  God. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — Happy  are  the  people  that 

are  in  such  a  case! 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Yea,    blessed   are    the 

people  who  have  the  Lord  for 
their  God. 

Song  of  Harvest  Home  withdraws. 
Mother  Church. — Let  Family  Prayer  attend  me 

here. 

Exit  Christopher.     Music  "Home,  sweet 

Homey 

Enter  Family  Prayer.     Banner  "As  for 

me  and  my  house  we  will  serve  tlie  Lord." 

36 


THE    LITTLE  PILGRIMS   AND  THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

Mother  Church. — Family  Prayer,  what  commis- 
sion holdest  thou  from  me? 

Family  Prayer. —  To  enter  every  Christian  home 

and  there  abide,  for  no  family 
life  is  right  in  thy  sight,  dear 
Mother,  unless  it  include  daily 
Family  Prayer. 
Family  Prayer  withdraws. 

Mother  Church. — I  would  now  have  the  Ordinal 

come  hither. 
Exit  Christopher.     Music  "  Come   Holy 
Spirit r 

Enter  Ordinal.     His  banner  bears  the  de- 
vice of  a  Dove. 

Mother  Church. — Who   art  thou,   and   what   is 

thine  office  and  service  in  the 
Catholic  Church? 

Ordinal. —  I  am  the  form  and  manner  of 

ordaining  and  consecrating 
those  men  who  for  their  learn- 
ing and  godly  conversation 
are  apt  and  meet  to  exercise 

37 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

their  ministry  to  the  honor  of 
God  and  to  the  edifying  of 
His  Church. 

Mother  Church. — And     what    are     the     divers 

orders  of  ministers  thou  art 
appointed  to  make,  ordain  and 
consecrate  ? 

Ordinal. —  It  is  evident  unto  all  men  dili- 

gently reading  Holy  Scrip- 
ture and  ancient  authors  that 
from  the  Apostles'  time  there 
have  been  these  orders  of 
ministers  in  Christ's  Church, 
Bishops,  Priests  and  Deacons. 

Mother  Church. — (to  the  Little  Pilgrims)  These 

are  the  Shepherds  appointed 
by  Christ  to  feed  His  flock, 
see  therefore,  that  ye,  duly 
considering  whose  authority 
they  have,  do  show  them  all 
loving  reverence  and  obe- 
dience, and  when  they  speak 

38 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE  BOOK   BELOVED 

unto  you  the  word  of  God, 
take  heed  how  ye  hear! 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — To  all  that  the  Lord  saith 

unto  us  by  their  mouth  will 
we  hearken. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — And  be  obedient. 
Ordinal  withdraws. 

Mother  Church. — Call  hither  Articles  of  Religion. 

Exit  Christopher.      Mttsic  "Ancient  of 

Days." 

Enter  Articles.    He  wears  a  doctor  s  cap 

and  gown,  and  carries  a  scroll. 

Mother  Church. — What  lesson  hast  thou  for  my 

children,  Articles  of  Religion? 

Articles. —  That  we  lean  not  to  our  own 

understanding,  lest  we  be  car- 
ried about  with  divers  doc- 
trines. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — From  all  false  doctrine, 

heresy  and  schism, 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Good  Lord,  deliver  us! 
Articles  withdraws. 

39 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS    AND    THE    BOOK  BELOVED 

Mother  Church. — My    little    pilgrims,    ye    have 

now  seen  the  worship  and 
service  of  the  Catholic  Church, 
according  to  the  American 
Use,  but  lest  any  of  these 
several  services  or  rites  should 
be  neglected  or  lost,  I  will 
presently  bind  them  together 
for  you.  Christopher,  let  my 
Bookbinder  know  that  I  desire 
his  service  anon. 

Exit  Christopher.  Music  "God  Save  the 
King!" 

Enter  the  Bookbinder,  Edward  VI,  pre- 
ceded by  a  page  bearing  the  English 
Standard,  with  the  date,  1549.  The 
Bookbinder  drops  on  his  knee  before  Mother 
Church,  removing  his  crown. 

Mother  Church. — Arise,      thou       incomparable 

young  prince,  and  faithful  son 
of  mine.  (He  rises)  I  have 
sent  for  thee  to  do  once  more 
thine  ancient  office,  and  to  bind 

40 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE  BOOK  BELOVED 

for  me  this  time  the  American 
Use,  but  first  tell  these  little 
pilgrims  who  thou  art,  and 
how  thou  becamest  my  Book- 
binder. 

The  Bookbinder. — (turning  to  the  Little  Pilgrims) 

Little  pilgrims  from  Far 
Cathay,  I  am  Edward  Tudor, 
by  God's  grace  sometime  King 
of  Merrie  England,  and  because 
at  the  bidding  of  my  sweet 
Mother  (lookingtoward  Mother 
Church),  I,  being  guided  by 
Providence,  and  helped  by  the 
good  Bishops  and  learned 
Doctors  of  my  realm,  did 
gather  up  from  Breviary  and 
Primer,  from  Procession  and 
Missal  the  scattered  services 
of  the  English  Use,  and  did 
cause  them  to  be  turned  from 
Latin  into  a  tongue  under- 
standed  by  the  people,  to  wit 

41 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK   BELOVED 

our  own  dear  English  speech, 
therefore,  did  this,  my  Liege 
Lady,  appoint  me  to  be  her 
own  Bookbinder,  which  office 
is  more  to  me  than  any  earthly 
crown. 

Mother  Church. — Proceed  now  with  thy  work, 

my  son. 

The  Bookbinder  now  ranges  the  differeiit 
services  in  order  one  behind  the  other, 
beginning  with  Matins  and  proceeding  in 
the  order  in  which  they  are  found  in  the 
Prayer-Book. 

The  Bookbinder. — Shall  I  include  with  these  the 

Lectionary  ? 
Mother  Church. — Aye  verily. 

The  Bookbinder  beckons  with  his  hand. 
Enter  Lectionary.  He  carries  a  Bible  and 
a  banner  with  the  words  "Read,  Mark, 
Learn." 

The  Bookbinder. — Who  art  thou  ? 
Lectionary. —  I  am  the  Order  how  the  Holy 

Scripture    is    appointed  to  be 

42 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE  BOOK  BELOVED 

read,  for  the  Church  doth  de- 
clare that  God  hath  appointed 
all  Holy  Scriptures  to  be 
written  for  our  learning,  and 
that  we  must  read,  mark,  learn 
and  inwardly  digest  them. 
From  all  blindness  of  heart 
and  from  contempt  of  His 
Word  may  God  ever  de- 
liver us ! 

Everyone  on  the  stage,  with  hearty  earnestness. — 

Amen! 

Lectionary  is  placed  by  the  Bookbinder 
in  front  of  Matins. 

Bookbinder. —         (to  Mother  Church)    Shall  I 

include  Calendar? 

Mother  Church. — Do  so,  my  son. 

The  Bookbinder  beckons  again.  Enter  Cal- 
endar.    Banner  "Follow  Me." 

Bookbinder. —        Who  art  thou  ? 

Calendar. —  I  am  the  Church  Calendar,  or 

the  Table  of  Feasts  and  Fasts. 

43 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND  THE    BOOK    BELOVED 

I  call  upon  all  Christians  to 
follow  year  by  year  the  foot- 
steps of  our  Lord's  most 
blessed  life. 

Calendar  is  placed  by  the  Bookbinder  in 
front  of  Lectionary. 

Bookbinder. —         Shall  I  include  Preface? 

Mother  Church. — Yes,      since     the      American 

Church  would  always  remem- 
ber her  high  lineage  and  her 
august  parent,  the  Church  of 
England. 
The  Bookbinder  beckons  again.  Enter  Pre- 
face.    He  bears  a  banner  with  the  words 
America. 
England. 
Gaul. 

Asia  Minor. 
St.  John. 
XP. 

Bookbinder. —         What  is  the  meaning  of  those 

words  upon  thy  banner? 
Preface. —  They  declare  the  pedigree  of 

44 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE   BOOK  BELOVED 

the  American  Church,  for  the 
Church  in  these  States  is  in- 
debted under  God  to  the 
Church  of  England  for  her 
first  foundation  and  for  a  long 
continuance  of  nursing  care, 
and  the  Church  was  first 
brought  to  England  by  Mis- 
sionaries from  Gaul,  and  the 
Church  was  planted  in  South- 
ern Gaul  by  Missionaries  from 
Asia  Minor,  and  St.  John,  the 
Bishop  of  Ephesus,  was  the 
Beloved  Disciple  of  Christ,  and 
Christ  is  the  Head  of  the 
Church,  to  whom  may  we  be 
faithful  unto  death. 

Preface  is  placed  by  the  Bookbinder  in 

front  of  Calendar. 

Bookbinder. —         Shall  I  include  Ratification? 

Mother  Church. —  Do  so,  my  son. 

Bookbinder  beckons.     Chimes  play  "  The 
Star  Spangled  Banner." 

45 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK   BELOVED 

Enter  Ratification,  decked  out  with  red, 
white  and  blue.  On  her  breast  the  date 
"1789." 

Ratification. —        (taking  her  place  in  front  of 

Preface)     I    do    declare    and 
certify  that  this  is  the  Use  of 
the       Protestant       Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America. 
The  Bookbinder  now  takes  a  brave  ribband 
of  scarlet  and  passes  it  abound  the  whole 
Prayer- Book,  fastening  it  in  front  of  Rat- 
ification with  a  large  gilt  buckle  on  which 
is  seen  in  goodly  letters,  * '  Common  Prayer. ' ' 
A  slight  pause. 

Mother  Church. —  (rising)    And   now,  my  little 

pilgrims,  shall  I  not  deliver 
to  you  this  book,  and  let  you 
depart  in  peace,  since  your 
eyes  have  seen  your  desire, 
the  worship  of  the  Catholic 
Church? 

The    Little    Pilgrims   whisper    together. 

They  hesitate  and  look  troubled. 

46 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

Mother  Church. —  What  is  it,  my  little  ones  ?    Do 

not  fear  to  tell  me  all  that  is  in 
your  hearts ! 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — (after  bowing  low)  Gra- 
cious Mother,  what  shall  it 
profit  us  to  take  this  book  if 
thou  go  not  with  us  into  the 
Land  of  Darkness  ? 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Come  thou  with  us,  dear 

Lady.  Without  thee  we  have 
no  altar,  no  priesthood,  no 
sacraments. 

Mother  Church. — ^looking  out  dreamily  into  the 

distance,  and  speaking  to  her- 
self) I  hear  again,  echoing 
down  the  ages,  that  voice  that 
came  to  me  so  long  ago,  float- 
ing over  the  star-lit  waters  of 
the  ^Egaean,  "Come  over  and 

help  us!" Oh!  for 

the  spirit  of  Paul  again ! 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — We  so  greatly  need  thee. 

47 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

It  is  so  sad  in  the  Land  of 
Darkness. 

First  Little  Pilgrim. — There  are  so  many   little 

girls  in  the  Land  of  Darkness, 

and  they  have  such  a  weary 

time.       I  beseech  thee,   dear 

Mother,  go  with  us. 

Second  Little  Pilgrim. — Mother!    I  beseech  thee! 

As  they  have  been  speaking  Mother  Church 

presses  hef  hand  to  hef  heart,  and  breathes 

heavily. 

Mother  Church. — (passionately)  Ye  have  touched 

my  grievous  wound,  little  pil- 
grims of  the  night.  Ye  have 
indeed  a  right  to  call  me,  for  I 
was  sent  to  you  long  ago,  but 
I  can  only  go  where  men  will 
take  me.  God  has  chosen  that 
the  light  of  the  glorious  Gospel 
should  be  carried  from  one 
country  to  another,  not  by  an- 
gels, but  by  the  love  and  sacri- 
fice of  men.     Thus  went  the 

48 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND    THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

Apostles  forth  from  Judaea  to 
Greece  and  Rome.  Thus  have 
Missionaries  in  all  ages  gone  to 
Gaul  and  Germany,  to  England 
and  Scandinavia,  and  thus  only- 
can  I  now  go  into  the  Land  of 
Darkness.  (She  turns  to  the 
audience)  Oh !  my  children,  ye 
hear  this,  ye  hear  these  little 
ones  pleading  for  their  Mother? 
Will  you  not  once  for  all  rouse 
you  from  indifference  and  sloth 
and  selfishness?  Will  ye  not 
remember  the  command  of 
your  Lord,  "Go  forth  into  all 
lands"?  How  shall  ye  answer 
Him  when  He  comes  again? 
He  said  while  He  was  yet  with 
us,  "Ye,  ye  are  the  light  of  the 
world,"  and  yet  in  many  places 

it  is  still  dark still 

dark (she  turns 

away.)  Oh!  who  will  teach  me 

49 


THE    LITTLE    PILGRIMS  AND    THE   BOOK    BELOVED 

a  language  in  which  to  move 
them?  (She  goes  over  to  the 
Rood,  and  bowing  her  head  in 
her  hands,  weeps  silently.) 

A  voice  from  the  audience. — Weep  no  more,  Holy 

Church. 

Enter  from  the  audience  the  Child  of  St. 
Agnes.  She  runs  up  the  aisle,  and  calls 
again. 

The  Child  of  St.  Agnes. — Weep  no  more,  Holy 

Church. 

She  mounts  the  steps  to  the  stage,  goes  to 
Mother  Church  and  clasping  her  arms 
about  the  waist  of  Mother  Church,  looks 
up  in  her  face. 

The  Child  of  St.  Agnes. — Weep  no  more,  sweet 

Mother! 

Mother  Church. — (laying  her  hand  on  the  Child's 

head)  And  who  art  thou  that 
carestsomuch  for  thy  Mother's 
tears? 

The  Child  of  St.  Agnes. — I  am  a  child  of  St.  Agnes' 

50 


THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS  AND   THE  BOOK    BELOVED 

School,  and  see!  (holding  up  a 
mite  box)  this  is  our  Lenten 
Offering.  Thou  shalt  go  into 
the  Land  of  Darkness,  for  we 
will  send  thee! 

Mother  Church. — (takes  the  mite  box  into  her 

hand,  and  speaks  to  herself) 
A  little  Child  shall  lead  them 
all !  (holds  up  the  mite  box) 
Yes,  I  will  go  into  the  Land  of 
Darkness,  for  the  love  and  sac- 
rifice of  my  children  will  send 
me  there,  (to  the  Child)  Tell 
the  children  of  St.  Agnes'  Sun- 
day School  that  I  go,  but  that 
they  must  keep  me  there,  for  I 
must  never  turn  back  until  the 
light  of  the  everlasting  gospel 
dispels  the  darkness,  and  the 
world  is  Christ's.  (She  delivers 
to  the  Child  a  banner  on  which 
is  written  "The  World  for 
Christ.")    Take  this  banner  to 

5i 


r 

THE    LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND  THE   BOOK   BELOVED 

the  children  of  St.  Agnes,  and 
tell  them  that  they  are  my  little 
missionaries,  and  that  they 
must  be  faithful  to  me  unto 
their  life's  end,  and  that  they 
must  never  let  one  day  pass 
without  working  and  praying 
and  denying  themselves  until 
the  World  is  Christ's. 

The  Child  of  St.  Agnes  takes  the  banner. 
Mother  Church  crosses  the  stage  and  lays 
her  hand  on  the  hilt  of  her  sword. 

Mother  Church. — And  now  come  with  me,  Book 

of  Common  Prayer,  let  us  go 
forth  into  the  Land  of  Dark- 
ness. Come  with  me,  thou 
Book  Beloved,  (draws  her 
sword  and  holds  it  above  her 
head)  and  let  us  take  The 
World  for  Christ! 

Immediately  the  audience  sings  "  Oh  Sion 
haste. ' '  During  the  singing  of  this  hymn, 
the  actors  pass  out  in  slow  procession,  first 

52 


THE   LITTLE   PILGRIMS   AND   THE   BOOK  BELOVED 

the  Child  of  St.  Agnes  with  her  banner, 
then  Mother  Church,  then  the  Book  Be- 
loved, then  the  Bookbinder,  then  Christo- 
pher, and  last  of  all  the  Little  Pilgrims. 
They  pass  down  the  main  aisle,  and  out 
of  the  big  door  to  show  that  they  are  going 
forth  into  the  world. 


THE   END 


By  the  Same  Author 


LADY  CATECHISM  AND  THE 

CHILD 

A  MYSTERY  PLAY 

With  a  Preface  by  the  Rev.  W.   T. 

Manning,  S.  T.  D.,  Assistant  Rector 

of  Trinity  Parish,  New  York. 

With  7  Half  tone  Illustrations 

i2mo,  boards,  50  cents 


Edwin  S.  Gorham    .    .    .  New  York 


THE  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

Santa  Barbara 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW. 


Series  9482 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILI1 

■"  '  III  I ' 


AA    001  037  263    9 


